Scott Hurlbert could see the writing on the wall in the automotive industry, so he took a leap of faith and went back to school. After earning a bachelor’s degree in ’09, he is now ready to walk across the commencement stage for his Master of Accountancy degree – and all his hard work is paying off.

“Accounting was always something I wanted to do; I was always fascinated with the business side of things,” says Hurlbert. “I’ve really found my passion.”

Moving his family, including a wife and three teenage daughters, from Coeur d’Alene to Moscow to continue his schooling was challenging. But with support from his family and professors, hard work and a sacrifice of sleep, he is poised to graduate while currently holding a job at a local accounting firm.

“My pipe dream was to stay in Moscow and find a job with good growth potential,” says Hurlbert. “I really like it here.”

Despite having a mechanical pencil (circa 1978) older than one of the professors, going back to school mid-life and sitting side-by-side with younger students in the classroom has been the greatest adventure of his time at the University of Idaho.

“Being with younger students was a lot of fun,” says Hurlbert. “They were able to talk to someone their parent’s age, share information and even become friends. It also helped me understand my daughters better!”

Hurlbert nurtures those friendships he made as an undergraduate and now, as a graduate student getting ready to take his Certified Public Account exam. His great adventure all started with a dream and a three-hour lunch break at Transfer Idaho Day at Northern Idaho College. It was the professors he met at the event and their willingness to help and support his decisions that made his dream a reality.

“The people, the faculty are exceptional, so friendly and accessible,” says Hurlbert. “They want everyone to succeed; that is the strategic advantage offered at the University of Idaho.”